Londonderry News

Londonderry, New Hampshire — Town Meeting opened at 7AM on Tuesday, March 10th in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The polls closed at 8:02PM  with 1,863 members of the delegation voting yes for the board recommended School budget, and yes to most Town items  with the exception of the North Fire Station.

Tomorrow morning Saturday March 14th, 17,050 qualified members of the Londonderry Legislative Body can come to the Londonderry High School Cafeteria to participate in the process of spending, or not spending $31.3 million according to Londonderry Town Manager Dave Caron.

So what makes this the largest legislative body in the world? The man that is now President Obama may have.

By bringing the towns registered voters up to over 17,000 and the fact that we are one of the largest towns that still has a budgetary town meeting, we can only presume we have the largest legislative body in the world. Although it is doubtful that many of these voters know they are a member of this rare group, the fact remains they are.

Last November the Korean Educational Broadcasting System (EBS), a nation-wide public broadcaster, which specializes in educational and cultural programming, selected Londonderry, New Hampshire to film a segment for a series of special programs. Lena Shin, the international coordinator for EBS, Educational Broadcasting Network of Korea said, “The documentary is focusing on the democracy system of the US and how well it is being adapted into the society. They raise the question that maybe direct democracy, where all opinions of the citizen can be applied into politics, could become possible again like the ancient Greek, due to advanced technology we have now. For Londonderry, they believe it sets a great example of democracy “by the people”. Especially when there are disagreements between the Government. People are starting to believe “Town Meetings” can be a solution which is practicing democracy. And, Korea political system is trying look more into this. Therefore, EBS is doing a documentary on this, and wants to visit Londonderry to learn more about what you have.”

EBS produces and broadcasts educational and cultural programs via free TV EBS, Satellite Channel EBS Plus1, Plus2, EBS FM Radio, and online at www.ebs.co.kr

Londonderry will broadcast it’s Town Meeting Saturday on Channel 22, even so it would be best to join in person for this outstanding theater!